This guide explains the most important concepts about receiving bitcoin with your BitBox02. You will learn why the BitBoxApp generates a new address for every transaction and why it's crucial to verify this address on your hardware wallet's screen.

Why does my Bitcoin address always change?

For privacy reasons, a Bitcoin address should only be used once. The BitBoxApp helps you follow this best practice by automatically providing a new, unused address each time you click Receive.

If you re-use an address, anyone can easily track all payments made to that address on the public blockchain.  This links your transactions together and significantly reduces your financial privacy.

Can I re-use an old address?

While you can technically send funds to a previously used Bitcoin address, we strongly advise against it as it is very bad for your privacy. To help protect you, the BitBoxApp hides used addresses by default.

Why must I verify the address on my BitBox02?

The most important rule for using a hardware wallet is to "always trust the device's screen". Your BitBox02 is designed to keep your funds safe, even if your computer is infected with malware.

A virus on your computer could try to trick you by showing an attacker's address inside the BitBoxApp.  If you send funds to that address, they will be stolen.

To prevent this, the BitBoxApp requires you to verify every receive address on the secure screen of your BitBox02. This confirmation ensures the address truly belongs to your wallet and is safe to use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if I accidentally send Bitcoin to an old address? 

Your funds are safe. An old address still belongs to your wallet, and the BitBoxApp will detect the funds. However, reusing addresses is not recommended because it is bad for your privacy.

Does creating a new address cost a fee? 

No. Generating new receive addresses is completely free and does not involve any network fees. You can create as many as you need.

Why does the BitBoxApp hide my used addresses? 

The BitBoxApp hides used addresses to encourage the best privacy practice of using a new address for every transaction. This helps prevent you from accidentally reusing an address.

Do I need to connect my BitBox02 just to check my balance? 

No. You can open the BitBoxApp without your BitBox02 connected to view your balance and transaction history. You only need to connect your device to securely generate a receive address or to send funds.